Denver airport plans solar power for its fuel farm

DENVER 
Denver International Airport wants to build a $7 million solar electric-generating system to power its fuel storage and distribution system.

Airport officials said Wednesday they will ask the City Council for approval to sign a contract with two companies to develop the 1.6-megawatt project on about 9 acres north of the airfield.

It would provide almost all the electricity needed to power the airport's fuel farm. The airport would buy electricity from the solar companies for about 90 percent of the rate charged by its commercial supplier, Xcel Energy Inc.

The system is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

The airport already has a 2-megawatt solar photovoltaic system near the terminal.